Tag Archive for technology

For an industry that was slow to jump on the tech train, construction has come a long way in a short time. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the new standard for design while large-scale projects are being managed from smartphones and tablets loaded with construction-specific apps. Meanwhile, new construction technologies and materials are advancing construction efficiencies, quality and sustainability.

Constructech recently announced its 2015 top 50 tech firms for construction. Here’s a peak at the list leaders:

The heat is on. And anyone working outdoors or in confined spaces is at risk for heat-related illness, such as heat stroke. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is combating heat illness with an App that gives iPhone and Android users real-time analysis of rising temps.

According to OSHA, the App calculates the heat index and displays a risk level for outdoor workers. The App also lists preventative measures that should be taken to protect workers at risk and the symptoms of heat-related illness.

Eliminating hazards in the factory or on the jobsite can be as easy as selecting the best tool for the job. As we recognize National Safety Month, here are a couple tools that can reduce your risk without blowing your budget.

Self-retracting Cutters

Cutters with “Smart Knife Technology” retract the blade automatically when it loses contact with the material it’s cutting. The blade will self-retract even if the user tries to override the safety system by leaving the slider in the forward position. Cutters with Smart Knife Technology cost slightly more than conventional cutters but can prevent injuries making them well worth the investment.

Tool Lanyards

This may be the easiest way to prevent falling object injuries on a worksite. Tool lanyards are elastic straps that connect tools to a tool belt or personal fall protection.

Tips for Preventing Falling Object Injuries:

Use tool lanyards.

Keep all material at least 3 feet from a leading edge, other than material specifically required for work in process.

Remove items from loose or unsealed pockets, especially top shirt pockets, such as phones, pens, and tools.

Do not hang objects over guardrails.

Secure all objects when working on an elevated surface.

Ensure toe boards are present and inspect toe boards frequently. They should be at least 4 inches high and continuous. 4 inches is the minimum height with a maximum ¼-inch clearance from the working surface.

Require hardhats and other relevant PPE for everyone in areas at risk for falling objects—no exceptions. Make sure that this is effectively communicated.

Rope off the area, if possible, where fall/drop hazards may exist – especially if work is being performed on a ladder.

Work as a team to avoid complacency and remain vigilant of these procedures at all times.

Ensure hardhats and other required PPE is inspected prior to use and is used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

Smart phones are working in construction almost as hard as the construction professionals that use them. But finding the latest and greatest Apps can be a challenge that consumes as much time as a quality App saves. Fortunately, the gang at Sourceable.net compiled their list of the Top 10 Construction Apps to simplify our search. Click on the image below to view the full infographic and see which Apps you should be downloading.

We’ve told you before that modular construction is faster than conventional building. Well, Broad Sustainable Building has shown the amazing speed of modular once again. The China-based builder has delivered several large-scale modular projects at unbelievable speeds. Their most recent project, a 57-story high-rise, was completed in just 19 days. Don’t believe us? Watch the time-lapse video below and see for yourself.

Most people know that in-factory construction is faster than traditional, site-built construction. But there are several more advantages to in-factory building. Here are a few that may impact your decision on where to build.

1. Precision Assembly

The repeatable nature of in-factory construction allows builders to continuously improve equipment and processes that cannot be reproduced onsite. Cuts and connections are practiced and confirmed accurate.

As the building proceeds through the assembly line, frequent checks confirm strict adherence to specifications. Components that fail to meet specifications are corrected Read more

The term prefabricated construction leads many to think about complete structures built in a factory which are then transported to the site and set on a foundation. While this building method is becoming increasingly popular, there are other ways builders are using factory precision and efficiencies to create quality structures.

ModSpace remodeled temporary modular buildings for the construction of its permanent office in Hartford, CT.

A traditional building renovation can be a big undertaking. Not only does it mean months of planning and design for the remodel itself, but it also means making arrangements for displaced workers, and dealing with site disruption, which will go on for months.

When it comes to initial building, modular construction is generally faster and more efficient than traditional construction, giving businesses a greater return on their investment. Yet, does the same hold true when it comes to a remodel?

Greater Flexibility for Remodels

Any building is subject to wear and tear as the years go on, and modular buildings are no different. After several years of steady traffic, a permanent modular building will Read more

Across the country, office construction has seen a recent boom, thanks to technology companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. These multi-billion dollar firms are expanding rapidly, and looking for more space for offices and data storage.

There’s no shortage of misconceptions about modular construction. Some believe that because modular buildings are constructed in a factory, instead of at the construction site, they don’t offer the same quality, versatility, or architectural appeal of traditional construction.

We’ve highlighted the five most common myths of modular construction in a previous post, addressing such issues as the permanence, sustainability, and visual appeal of modular buildings. However, some continue to pose the question, so it’s worth delving into this myth more deeply to show it’s simply not true.

Myth: Modular buildings are low in quality.

Reality: Modular buildings are constructed in a factory under strict quality and environmental controls. Every cut and connection is inspected, tested and confirmed to Read more